Manama
Bahrain’s Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, died Wednesday at the age of 84.
Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa was the world’s longest-serving prime minister who had held the post since independence in 1971.
Prince Khalifa died at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in the United States, the official Bahrain News Agency said. The burial will take place after his remains have been transported home, and in line with Coronavirus restrictions only a limited number of relatives will attend.
The country will hold a week of official mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Government ministries and departments will be closed for three days. Gulf leaders paid tribute, hailing the veteran leader’s long career “that has shaped Bahrain’s recent history”, according to Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. AFP
